The Green Bay Packers are set to open training camp later this month. This is the next in a series of articles previewing the Packers position by position, analyzing the talent on the roster and discussing key questions that are facing the team as they begin preparation for the 2024 season. Today we will preview the offensive line. We will examine another position each day until the start of training camp.
To see our preview of the quarterbacks, click here and for defensive tackles, click here, click here for running backs, here for linebackers, here for tight end, and here for defensive end.
Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Offensive Line, Projected Starters: Rasheed Walker
Rasheed Walker took over at left tackle after David Bakhtiari was shut down after Week 1 to have surgery on his knee. After struggling early in the season, he improved drastically in the second half of the campaign. Down the stretch and in the playoffs, Walker faced some highly regarded pass rushers and kept them from pressuring Jordan Love.
Walker is the favorite to start at left tackle. To do that, he must prove that his strong finish last season was no fluke and that he is capable of playing that way consistently. His also must improve his run blocking. If he can do that, Walker has a bright future in Green Bay.
Elgton Jenkins
Elgton Jenkins has been one of the Packers most consistent and talented offensive linemen since joining the team in 2019. The former Mississippi State star can play all five positions along the offensive line but has been the starter at left guard for the last two seasons.
Like most Packers offensive linemen, Jenkins is a better pass blocker than run blocker, but his ability to open holes for the ground game grades out well. He has earned two Pro Bowl berths and plays at a high enough level to earn a third this season if he stays healthy.
Josh Myers
Josh Myers has been a disappointment since he was selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The former Ohio State star has been a starter since his rookie year, but he has struggled with consistency and has been a weak link in run blocking.
Myers is the favorite to start at center. This will be a key season for him as his contract expires after 2024 and he will be a free agent next year unless he proves he’s worthy of a new deal.
Sean Rhyan
Sean Rhyan sits atop the depth chart at right guard since the departure of Jon Runyan in free agency. Rhyan saw more playing time last season when Runyan had to play through injuries.
Rhyan does a solid job of opening holes for the run. He is strong at the point of attack which allows him to win battles in the trenches. But he struggles in pass protection, and he must improve in that area to lock down the starting right guard position.
Zach Tom
Zach Tom graded out as the team’s best offensive lineman last season according to Pro Football Focus. Tom lacks ideal size for an offensive tackle but he’s smart and has excellent footwork which allows him to do a good job at both run blocking and pass protection.
Tom can also play any position along the offensive line which gives the coaching staff many options when choosing a starting five.
If Tom takes another step forward, he can earn Pro Bowl honors for the first time in his career this season.
Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Offensive Line, Projected Backups: Jordan Morgan
The Packers selected Jordan Morgan in the first round of this year’s draft. He played left tackle in college but during OTAs, he played every position along the offensive line except center. Many scouts expected him to play guard in the NFL because of his arm length but the Packers indicated they would first look at him at tackle.
The coaching staff admitted Morgan has a lot to learn mentally and it may take him some time to earn a starting job. He may battle for a starting job, but it may not happen until later in the season.
Jacob Monk
The Packers selected Jacob Monk in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Monk can play both center and guard. The Packers may plan to have him learn for one year behind Myers and then take over as center next year if Myers does not return.
Look for Monk to see action on special teams and as a backup in his rookie campaign.
Royce Newman
Royce Newman started as a rookie in 2021 and struggled at right guard. Since then, he’s served as a backup who has only played when injuries struck and each time he’s played, he’s been the weak link along the offensive line.
Since the Packers drafted three offensive linemen this season, Newman will be fighting for his spot on the roster in training camp. He will need to improve his ability to pick up stunts and blitzes to keep his job.
Donovan Jennings
The Packers signed Donovan Jennings as an undrafted free agent in April. The South Florida alum can play either guard or tackle but is more likely to be a guard in the NFL.
At 6’4”, 323 pounds, Jennings has good size and a strong lower body. If he can improve his pad level, he has a chance to earn a spot on the practice squad or an outside shot at making the roster.
Lecitus Smith
Lecitus Smith signed with the Packers in May. He has 10 games of NFL experience with the Cardinals in 2022 and even started two games. Last year, he split time between the Texans and Eagles practice squads.
He will give the Packers some experienced depth along the interior offensive line if he makes the team.
Andre Dillard
The Packers signed former first round pick Andre Dillard this offseason to provide offensive line depth. The former Washington State star has the physical measurables that scouts love but has yet to establish himself as an NFL starter after four seasons in the league.
Dillard spent 2023 with the Titans and started a career-high 10 games, but he was one of the lowest graded offensive tackles in the game according to PFF.
If he makes the team, Dillard gives the Pack an experienced backup at right tackle, but he will have to improve his play to earn a roster spot.
Travis Glover
The Packers took offensive lineman Travis Glover in the sixth round of this year’s draft. The Georgia State alum has the versatility the Packers like, having started at left tackle, right tackle and left guard in college.
He needs to improve his footwork a bit to excel at the NFL level, but his size, strength and versatility gives him a chance to stick on the roster this year or at least the practice squad.
Caleb Jones
Caleb Jones made his NFL debut last season, playing one snap on special teams in his only game after spending most of the season on the practice squad. The 6’9”, 370-pound Indiana product is now the largest player ever to put on a Packers uniform in a regular season game.
The Packers have been working with Jones to develop his technique and realize his potential. This may be his final chance to show he’s learned enough to stick on the 53-man roster.
Kadeem Telfort
Kadeem Telfort signed with the Packers last year as an undrafted free agent. He did not play a snap in a regular season game but is back for another try at making the roster this year.
The former UAB star will fight for a roster spot or practice squad spot but is considered a long shot to make the team.
Luke Tenuta
Big Luke Tenuta played three games for the Packers in 2022 but did not see the field at all during last season. The Packers originally claimed the 6’8”, 314-pound tackle out of Virginia off waivers from the Colts.
Tenuta remains a long shot to earn a roster spot but could end up on the practice squad if he shows enough in training camp.
Three Key Questions for the Packers Offensive Line
Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Offensive Line: Who Are the Best Five?
Head coach Matt LaFleur always says he wants the best five linemen on the field as his starters. GM Brian Gutekunst often looks for players who can play multiple positions along the line to try to make that possible.
While the five players listed above are atop the depth chart entering training camp, injuries and how these players perform in training camp will determine the starters. Tom and Jenkins can move anywhere along the line and Morgan can play anywhere but center.
The sooner the coaches select the top five, the sooner the unit can start to gain the cohesion they need to play at their best.
Question Two: Where Will Jordan Morgan Play?
Morgan can play four of the five positions along the line, but the more the team asks him to learn, the longer his adjustment to the NFL will likely be. He played left tackle in college so switching to the right side adds another level of adjustment.
Morgan will have to prove he can be one of the best five to earn a starting job but first he needs to play well enough at one position to stake that claim.
Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Offensive Line: When Will Zach Tom Be Healthy?
Tom missed OTAs with a torn pectoral muscle. Will he be a full participant at training camp? Will he be ready for Week 1 in Brazil against the Eagles?
If he’s not ready, who will step in and make a claim for the right tackle spot and what happens when Tom returns?
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